The 1952 novel "The Natural" by Bernard Malamud featured Roy Hobbs, a baseball player with ungodly ability who, with his mystical bat Wonderboy smashed unbelievable, breathtaking home runs and almost single-handedly lifted the formerly decrepit New York Knights into pennant contention.

The 1972 season featured Dick Allen, a baseball player with ungodly ability who, with his mystical 42...

In the week ensuing the 9/11 win over the Royals, the Sox go 2-3 over the next 5, while Oakland catches fire and goes 5-0. Their lead widens to 5 games with 13 left to play for the Sox and 14 for the A's. Hopes for a Miracle on 35th St. were dimming as the White Sox journeyed out to Oakland to take on the A's in a two game set.

September 11,1972
vs. Kansas City Royals
at Municipal Stadium, Kansas City

Dick Allen continued his assault on American league pitching and the White Sox record book this night, while the Sox continue their drive towards an improbable division title.

Dick, returning to the scene where he kicked off his 1972 campaign with a top of the 9th shot for his first home run of the season, wastes no time tonight. He steps up in the top of the 1st with Mike Andrews...

For six heady days in late August, the White Sox hold on to 1st place by a slim margin. Fans start to hope against hope for a "Miracle on 35th Street" in which the underdog White Sox would hold off the A's and take the AL West.

A Luis Tiant shutout in Fenway Park on the 29th knocks the Sox out of 1st. It is the start of a 1-6 slide that pushes them 3 1/2 back.

Dick Allen always seemed to do things with flair; or "panache" as Edmond Rostand's tragic hero Cyrano DeBergerac called it. His first White Sox (and American League) hit was a home run in the top of the 9th to break a scoreless tie. His second home run in White Sox Park (and only his third of the season) was game-ender in the bottom of the 9th. Called upon to pinch-hit for the first time that season (after...